French Conversation · Level 159
30 words
French word
piastre
Pronunciation
IPA/pjastʁ/
Meaning
- feminine nounpiastre
Example
La vitrine montre une vieille piastre.
The display case shows an old piastre.
More examples
Dans certains pays, la piastre est encore utilisée comme unité monétaire.
In some countries, the piastre is still used as a monetary unit.
Core concept
A worn silver coin passed across a counter, with its name also marking a local monetary unit.
Similar words
monnaie: Coins and banknotes used as money for everyday payments.
pièce: A small coin made of metal.
billet: A paper banknote used for larger payments.
sou: An old, low-value copper or silver coin once in use.
Definition in French
Terme désignant autrefois une monnaie ou une pièce d'argent et, parfois, une subdivision traditionnelle d'une monnaie locale.
Word origin
French piastre came through Italian piastra, meaning 'plate', and became a name for silver coins and monetary units in several regions.
Usage tips
- Piastre is feminine, so the usual article is une piastre; its modern reference depends on the country or historical context.